Higginbotham says Rebels need to believe

Melbourne Super Rugby recruit Scott Higginbotham hasn't provided the Rebels with much inside knowledge on his old team Queensland.

But one thing the Wallabies back-rower has pinpointed that the Reds possess, and that the Rebels have yet to master, is self-belief.

Higginbotham believes it's been a contributing factor in Melbourne's last two losses - both coming after holding half-time leads.

He said when the Reds won the Super title in 2011 they had unwavering confidence in their ability to close out games.

"The year we won I think we lost three games and each loss was absolute blow to the mind and body because we just didn't think we could lose - that's the mindset that we have to get around here," Higginbotham said ahead of their Friday night clash.

"I think that's the big thing for this team; to know that we can win these games - the boys need to realise that."

Higginbotham is expecting some niggle from his former teammates at AAMI Park, but has shown improved discipline after his yellow card in round one for throwing a punch during the Force match.

He didn't feel like he had anything to prove after switching his allegiance to Melbourne, and said the only focus was helping the Rebels get their season back on track.

The Rebels have earmarked the match as a must-win.

Despite the loss of injured star playmaker Kurtley Beale, they have proven in their past two games they have the ability.

"The last two rounds we've really dropped off in the second half and lost the game because of that," Higginbotham said.

"If you look at the way we played in the first half against NSW, we were 10 points up.

"If we play every game like we played that half, we'll win every other game we play."

Reds hooker Saia Faingaa reckoned there had already been some cheeky banter via text messages between Higginbotham and his former Queensland teammates.

But he believed Queensland had an answer to any Higginbotham on-field niggle on Friday night - red-headed flanker Ed Quirk.

"Quirky is very fiery like Higgers. He (Quirk) will definitely be in the thick of it," he said on Tuesday.

"Higgers is an outstanding ball carrier, he has a presence while Quirk is more a ball attacker and a very good defender.

"It will be a good battle in the back row."

This material is subject to copyright and any unauthorised use, copying or mirroring is prohibited.